Let me indulge you for a moment. Think of a song that “brings back memories” and go listen to it. Now think about how that made you feel. When you listened to that song, could you see your surroundings? Could you hear the atmosphere? Could you feel the sensation of that moment? It's fascinating how music has the power to encapsulate a moment in time, allowing us to retrieve stored memories with just a few minutes worth of lyrics and melody. A couple of years ago I went on a trip to the South Pacific and Hawaii with my mom, my sister, my aunts and my Nani (grandmother). Every night while we were in Hawaii, we would all go for a nice stroll after dinner to observe the sights and beautiful scenery of Waikiki. The streets were crowded with lots of people so my sister and I would hold my Nani’s hand so that we could help her walk safely among the crowd. As we walked around, we would hear music being played by many of the restaurants, local shops, and hotel lobbies. I particularly remember a familiar song called Billie Jean by Michael Jackson being played outside a restaurant as we walked by. When I hear that song now I am instantly transported back to that time; I can see the smile on her face while I held her hand and I can feel the joy radiating from her while she walked alongside her family in Hawaii. This memory is very special to me because 3 months ago my Nani passed away and all I have left are the memories of the time I spent with her. It happened very unexpectedly and it has been a difficult time accepting her loss. I would never have thought of this as such a special moment until I recently heard this song again, and I could vividly relive the good time we had in the streets of Hawaii once again.
Even though there was a language barrier between us, music was one of the things that could always bring us together. I am afraid that my memories will fade but I know that everytime I hear the song I will be transported back to that time and I will be able to indulge in those moments. “Music is a total constant. That's why we have such a strong connection to it. Because a song can take you back instantly to a moment, or a place, or even a person. No matter what else has changed in you or the world, that one song stays the same, just like that moment.” Brianna J
21 Comments
Tyler L
11/10/2020 04:29:59 pm
I am very sorry to hear about your grandmother and I’m very happy that you were able to share this with us. I agree how music is a very big part of most people’s lives. The memories you make can be hard to remember but when you hear a song that you were listening too with someone you care about it always re enters your mind I guess you could say. Music is something most people have in common. Since everyone goes through different things music is a way to think about people you’ve met or places you’ve been or even old friends you used to be with all the time. Thank you for sharing this and I really liked reading this blog.
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Caiti
11/10/2020 06:57:04 pm
Yes I agree music is so powerful! I can definitely think of a few songs that take me back to certain moments and help me remember people and places that I love. I also really liked the quote you put at the end, music can definitely be a constant and by extension it can be a healthy coping mechanism. Thank you for being open about your grief and I’m glad that music is helping you heal.
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Kaysey
11/11/2020 12:54:55 pm
Hi Brianna, my condolences for your grandmother. Music really is a beautiful thing. I love that it is universal and can express feelings/ bring out emotions that one might struggle to say. I've always thought that while memories do fade, the emotions from them don't. You said that you had a language barrier with your grandmother which is something i relate to, and it sucks when you can't fully converse with family. I'm glad that you have a happy connection with the song and your grandmother tho. Lovely blog, thanks for sharing!
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Kiana Birk
11/11/2020 07:48:22 pm
Music inspires our personal stories to a whole new level. In your post I felt the strong connection between you and your grandmother. I agree that because music is such a powerful tool it can allow us to imagine every emotion, surrounding, and feeling it brought. I can also relate to how whatever the circumstances may be at that moment because the song stays the same it will take you back to that moment unchanged.
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Amelie G
11/11/2020 09:53:47 pm
okay, wow! can i just say how emotional this made me feel. I love the way you transported a personal memory to this blog, it warmed me up to hear that music isn't only something you listen to. Music is much more that what we think it is! Everyone has a their own unique moments in life that music can only give you. I personally think music is an outlet that i use daily, i use it while walking, obviously dancing, showering, brushing my teeth, you know the drill, but seriously music has it's mind of it's own. Such precious moments can be put in only 2 min of our lives, and to remember that memory is beautiful on its own.
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nevada
11/11/2020 10:26:09 pm
First of all I’m sorry Bri. I know how hard that is, I lost my baba (grandmother) about four years ago now, and it still hurts. I love this topic because when I hear the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I’m back in Arizona on spring break in the sun. Or when I hear country music I think of my best friends and summer at the ball park. Music has the power to freeze time and capture a moment perfectly in your head and I think that’s so special.
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Devon
11/12/2020 09:00:39 am
Thank you for sharing Brianna! Music is amazing with the power it has to bring back memories. A family friend of my Mom's passed away from dementia a few years ago. While she could not remember who her family was or what she was doing, music would unlock her memory and she would be able to sing along to her favourite songs. This is the case for many dementia patients. Songs and lyrics are memories that can take us back to any place in time.
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callie
11/12/2020 10:17:02 am
Thanks for sharing Bri! I really enjoyed this entry. Though I'm not particularly musically gifted, music is something I value pretty deeply. I completely relate to the sentiments and nostalgia when hearing an old song and I think it's one of the coolest and most bittersweet feelings. I'm sorry to hear about your Nani, but the memory you shared was very sweet and probably a happy one you'll have for life.
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Emily
11/12/2020 11:24:22 am
I completly agree with this .. i love how you gave your own example to mexico because i can relate. I remeber before covid being in mexico and hearing pitbulls songs and being on the hot beach. Now whenever i hear that song in lockdown with cold rain it makes me feel happier and brings back positive memories! i love this blog because i feel it speaks to alot of people
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Madison Sproule
11/12/2020 12:10:37 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. music does have a special way of connecting memories and people and can leave an amazing feeling. I remember when I was little, my grandpa and I at christmas would always dance together in our living room to christmas songs for hours. He has dementia so he doesn't remember anymore, but I know that I am lucky I still have those memories. Now listing to those same songs brings back those memories. Thank you for sharing your story and your connection to music. It really is a powerful thing to hear.
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Lucy Greene
11/12/2020 01:22:52 pm
Thank you for sharing about the memory about you Nani. I too think music is super impotant and can take you back. Ive growen up in a super musical household but there is one song, "simple song"- by: The shins thank take me back to when i was younger and just started playing hockey and how my dad and I would blast this song coming home from a game in Vancouver or something and life was much simpler and that song always brings a amile on my face so thank you.
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Cole Hammerer
11/12/2020 01:23:43 pm
I can totally relate to this blog post with having a sentimental connection to a song. I think music is a very important thing in lots of peoples lives because it can boost peoples mood or help improve the emotion you are feeling. It can also bring you to peace when you are having a bad day. I found this blog post very well written and very interesting:)
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Riley Matthews
11/12/2020 01:38:35 pm
Music is very empowering! I too connect songs to certain moments in my life whether that be happy or sad events in my life. Having that connectedness that you feel with your grandmother is a very special thing. I liked how you touched on the subject of listening to that song and reliving that experience in your head. This was a very well thought out sentimental blog. Very well done!
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Nyah Gentry
11/12/2020 01:44:36 pm
I completely agree and resonate with what you wrote. music is my form of medicine. it makes me fell better when no one else can. I love dancing, when I listen to music my body moves in ways beyond my explanation on its on, thats just the affect it has on me. I find it very healing.
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Callum
11/12/2020 01:50:13 pm
music is a big part of most people lives and music can really bring people together and help people get thru rough times.
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Taylor
11/12/2020 02:06:34 pm
Music is so amazing! I totally agree with what you wrote. I love music there’s so many memories attached to many different songs. Whether the memories are happy or sad it’s a great feeling listening to those songs to be able to remember those special moments.
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jenna
11/12/2020 02:09:19 pm
I connect music to feelings as well, for example sad songs I have heard in correlation to when I am sad stick in my mind and I remember why they mean so much. Happy music always puts me in a better mood, sometimes I try to cheer up by putting on high energy music. I actually have a memory with my grandma from a German restaurant I went to her with, now I hold on to that memory tightly as she is fighting a tough battle of health right now.
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I definitely agree with the fact that music is powerful. Music has the power to make you feel happy, sad, angry, loved and so on. I love listening to music, I listen to it everyday. It is a part of me and my life, and I love to sing along to it as well. Listening to certain songs teleports my mind and body to a certain memory my mind was thinking of. After remembering the memory, I feel a bit dazed with the thought that this memory will always be in my brain. I love how open you were with your memory, and hope that music helps you feel better.
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Eyad
9/16/2022 02:01:54 pm
Music has changed my life, and definitley for the better. sorry about your loss
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Eunseo
9/16/2022 02:10:56 pm
The power of music is very strong. There are so many memories, scenes, and emotions that music gives. For me, some songs are remind me of precious memories, feelings, time, and someone. And also, I think the feeling of music give is amazing because when u listen a sad song it makes you feel sad or if you listen happy, exciting song, it makes you feel happy. So I love the power of music!
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Laetitia
9/28/2023 02:24:31 pm
Thank you for sharing your story. Great blog! I can totally relate to your opinion. Music speaks no language and you can connect with people through it. One song that always brings back memories to me is "Satellite" by Harry Styles. It reminds me about my friends and the things we experienced together. Also the lyrics express that my friends will wait for me and always be there for me even if I am an international student here in Canada at the moment.
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